Source close to the Spurs boardroom have said talks are well advanced on a new five-year deal that will be worth £35million.

Spurs are aware that the Argentinian is one of the hottest properties in the market after transforming the fortunes of the north Londoners during his two seasons at the helm.

Pochettino played down talk about a contract extension in the wake of Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa last month but, behind the scenes, club chiefs have made serious moves to tie the manager down to an extended deal.

Real Madrid are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Pochettino, whose current contract runs until 2019.

Curiously, the accolade of Spurs’ best-ever paid manager belongs to Spaniard Juande Ramos, who earned £6million-a-year during his short spell as club boss.

Wheeler dealer: Levy will make Pochettino the club’s top-paid boss

Chairman Daniel Levy is keen to reward Pochettino for guiding the club to second place on what has been a shoestring budget since his arrival two years ago.

Tottenham have genuine hopes of winning their first league title in 55 years – although they are seven points adrift of leaders Leicester with six matches of the season remaining – and are almost certain to clinch a top-four spot that guarantees qualification for next season’s Champions League.